May 5 - 6, 2012 Dear Cathedral Community, We are slightly over the halfway mark in our Easter observance as this is the Fifth Sunday of Easter. One of the aspects of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), comes after the Easter Vigil. The recently received members of our church are invited to experience a period of time known as the mystagogical cathechesis. This period of time assists these persons in their new experience of Catholicism. This time of mystagogy takes place between Easter and Pentecost. The word mystagogy itself means a kind of introduction to the practices of the faith after baptism. This was an experience from the first centuries of the church. Notable among the early Church Fathers whose Mystagogical Homilies instructed the newly baptized were Saint Ambrose of Milan and Saint Cyril of Jerusalem. The CATHOLIC CATECHISM FOR ADULTS states that “this is a time for the neophytes or newly initiated, along with the members of the parish to come closer together as a faith community to examine more deeply the Gospel, to share in the Eucharist, and to do works of charity.” (CCFA, p. 191.) We have before us almost on a weekly basis the example of the Acts of the Apostles. Our ancestors in the faith gradually grew in the understanding of their own newly received faith. This season of Easter or Paschaltide is a time for personal and communal renewal for us all. I recommend focusing the study of your faith on the Catechism. This would be a good time to read and reflect on Chapter 15 of the CATHOLIC CATECHISM FOR ADULTS entitled “Baptism: Becoming a Christian.” Reviewing this basic teaching about the Sacraments of Initiation will strengthen the foundation for Christian living. This would also be a great way to prepare for the celebration of Pentecost. Speaking of the CATECHISM, I am investigating the possibility of ordering the CATECHISMS in bulk for anyone who would like to have a copy. I’m especially interested in doing so in preparation for our focus on the “Year of Faith” as declared by Pope Benedict XVI that will begin next October of 2012. I’ll let you know more about that in the near future. Sincerely yours in the Risen Lord, Father Noah
April 28 - 29, 2012 Dear Cathedral Community, Please pray for Father David Lawler, Senior Associate at St. Christopher Parish in Speedway. This sunday Father Lawler is celebrating his Golden Jubilee of priesthood. I have been given the privilege of preaching at his Jubilee liturgy today. He has served as an Assistant and Pastor in several parishes around the Archdiocese, and for twenty years was the Catholic Chaplain at Methodist Hospital. Ad Multos Annos! Next Sunday, May 5, we will offer our first sunday of the month Lectio Divina in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel at 5:00 PM. This quiet, reflective way of praying the Scriptures is a welcome beginning to the week ahead. All are welcome. Bring a friend! This coming friday is the “First Friday” of the month, and as such there will be the usual Friday noontime opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation as well as Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament at noon and concluding with Benediction at 12:45 PM. The Cathedral will host the annual CYO Awards Ceremony on Tuesday evening, May 1, and the Mitre Society Mass on Wednesday evening, May 2. Bishop Coyne will be present for both event. On Wednesday, May 2, I will offer thanks to God for calling me to the Priesthood 36 years ago. Thank you for sharing in my ministry. On friday, April 20, Archbishop Daniel celebrated his 74th birthday. I wrote to him offering our congratulations and assurances of prayer. After a recent fall at the monastery, he now resides in the Infirmary at the monastery. Thank you for offering such wonderful hospitality to our many guests. Several more households have joined our parish community. Your hospitality sets a wonderful tone, and new members appreciate it. Recently, the priests and parish life coordinators of the Archdiocese attended the semi-annual Business Day. Many topics were presented and pondered. Among them were, an update on the Deanery Restructuring Process which is currently focused on the Batesville Deanery; a study on Poverty in Indiana jointly sponsored by the five Indiana dioceses; clarifications on various liturgical issues; the Annual Appeal of the Archdiocese and a discussion about the Health and Human Services Mandate. Two young priests recently arrived from India to assist us for five years in the Archdiocese, and they were introduced. It was a fine day with prayer and sharing a noon meal. The meeting was hosted by Our Lady of the Greenwood parish. Finally, a gentle reminder to look around your place in church before departing, and tidy up a bit. This simple gesture is a huge help to us. Sincerely yours in the Risen Lord, Father Noah
Dear Cathedral Community, We are well into the Easter season. I want to encourage you for spiritual reading to reflectively read through the Acts of the Apostles. Sometimes referred to as "Luke: Volume Two," the Acts of the Apostles paints the broad strokes of the early Christian community as it comes to a deeper understanding of its identity as a church. This is especially the case following the experience of Pentecost which was a kind of birthday for the church. That same Holy Spirit is poured out on us as Jesus' disciples through our Sacraments of Initiation, that is, Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. Our baptismal identity is imprinted on our souls by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the waters of font. We are renewing our baptismal identity throughout the Easter season with the Sprinkling Ritual at the beginning of Mass. When we do that is replaces the Penitential Act. In Confirmation, whether received as adults during the Easter Vigil or at another time, or as youth for those who are "cradle Catholics," we receive a further outpouring of the Spirit in the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit. These are the gifts of wisdom, understanding, knowledge, counsel, piety, fortitude and fear of the Lord. These gifts are spoken of initially in the Prophet Isaiah 11: 1-3. These gifts are intended to give us the desire to learn about God and the life to which He calls us. The acceptance and living of these gifts shapes our Christian adulthood. Even in the Eucharist, we experience the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. From the very beginning of the Mass when we bless ourselves and call upon the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, we are conscious of the powerful presence of the Spirit of God calling us together as church to worship in sincerity and truth. At that point in the Eucharistic liturgy when the priests spreads his hands over the gifts in the prayer of Epiclesis calling down the Holy Spirit, we celebrate that great Spirit coming over the gifts and the people like a great wave of God's presence washing us with love and renewal of life. We are sent forth from the Mass to share that same Spirit continuing the awareness of God's presence in the world. All of this is revealed in the stories of the Acts of the Apostles. It is our Easter reading. Thanks, again, to everyone who played a part in the preparations and liturgies of Easter. Finally, the Cathedral Kitchen can always use the help of the parishioners in this very important ministry. In particular, if you have items or materials that you are giving to the Kitchen, please bring them directly to the Cathedral Kitchen during the hours of 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM any day of the week. Do not bring them to the Rectory, but directly to the Cathedral Kitchen. If you are interested in assisting in any way, please call the parish office. Many thanks to Margie Pike and all the volunteers! Sincerely yours in the Risen Lord, Father Noah
April 14 - 15, 2012 Dear Cathedral Community, Our thanks to Bishop Coyne for presiding and preaching during the Holy Week Liturgies, especially for the Sacred Triduum. We are blessed to have him present and leading us in prayer. Thanks, also, to Ed Green, the choir, cantors and instrumentalists who lifted up our prayer to wonderful heights of praise. We are so very blessed to have such dedicated and spirit-filled musicians. Thanks to Morna Patrick and her volunteers who spent many, many hours working on the art and environment in the Cathedral and the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. One step inside the Cathedral for the Easter Vigil, and the Easter scent alone announced the presence of the Risen Lord. Thanks to Brother Howard and the sacristans and liturgical ministers who served us so well. Thanks to Father Patrick Beidelman, Mr. Ford Cox and Mr. Loral Tansy for coordinating the liturgies and serving as masters of ceremonies. Finally, thanks to Judy Cunningham and the Heavenly Dusters for making us sparkle with freshness and beauty. To you all, may your efforts continue to blossom in your hearts as you move through this beautiful season of grace and new life. We welcomed so many visitors and guests throughout Holy Week. As I mentioned to you previously, we all share the task of offering hospitality to those who join us as guests mindful of Saint Benedict’s admonition to greet Christ Himself in all the guests. That hospitality makes a tremendous difference in our growth as a community of faith. The smallest gesture is appreciated. As we welcome here so will we be welcomed into heaven! Congratulations to those who were baptized and/or received into full communion of the Catholic church during the Easter Vigil. I especially welcome our own members, Elmer Chowning and Mark Metz. I want to thank Nora Cummings and all the presenters in the RCIA. We have several others members who are coming along, and will be received hopefully in the near future. We also hold in prayer the fifteen members of the newly established Anglican Catholic Community of the Ordinariate of the Chair of Saint Peter based in Houston, Texas. These brothers and sisters have formed a local community of Saint Joseph of Arimithea who presently worship at Holy Rosary Church. One of these, a former Anglican cleric, will most likely at some point in the future be ordained in the Catholic Church to serve primarily this local community. I hope that this Easter season is one of many blessings for you. The Lectionary readings for the liturgy are very inspiring as we reflect in the Acts of the Apostles how our ancestors in the early church became clearer about their discipleship of the Risen Lord Jesus. Their growth in faith continues through us. May we all be signs of the presence of the Risen Lord in our world. Sincerely in the Risen Lord, Father Noah
Easter Sunday April 8, 2012 Dear Cathedral Community: CHRISTOS ANESTE; ALETHIOS ANESTE! CHRIST IS RISEN; HE IS TRULY RISEN! This is an ancient Greek greeting for the Feast of the Resurrection. I offer it to you praying that the Lord Jesus, the First Born Among the Dead, brings the light of His Resurrection into your hearts, your families and your homes. As THE most significant Solemnity in the Church Year, we celebrate this Feast with sincerity and love. We recognize that the tomb of Jesus is empty, and that Christ has risen from the dead. Because we are baptized into His death, we also share in His Resurrection. Today and for the next fifty days of the Paschal Season, we celebrate Christ’s victory over sin and dead. By God’s grace, we leave behind anything in our hearts that is dead, and renew our belief in the Lord’s Resurrection walking as children of the Light each day and in every place. In the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 24, we read the beautiful account of the Emmaus Journey. In their despair, neither of the companions setting out for Emmaus, thought of this as a “round trip.” Their fear, anxiety and disappointment were taking them only in one direction. However, having recognized Jesus “in the breaking of bread,” they were so spiritually energized that they overcame their, and hurried back to Jerusalem to share the news of their encounter with the Risen Lord. This is the principal task of every disciple. This is the Easter work, that is, to share with all persons whom we encounter our experience of the Risen Lord. It is the Easter Proclamation, and the work of the Church. Let us pray that we will avail ourselves of the presence of Christ in Word and Sacrament. Renewed through the Easter Water and the renewal of our Baptismal Promises, let us be mindful of our duty and our salvation sharing with all those around us the good news of Christ Jesus risen from the dead! ALLELUIA! Sincerely in the Risen Lord, Father Noah
March 31 - April 1, 2012 Palm Sunday Dear Cathedral Community, Welcome to Holy Week. This is the most significant week of our liturgical year. In this observance, we celebrate our redemption through the suffering, death and resurrection of Christ Jesus. These are the most important liturgies of the entire church year; therefore, we should make every effort to participate in these services. This is especially true of the Great Vigil of Easter on Holy Saturday Night. Let me review the week with you. Bishop Christopher J. Coyne, our Apostolic Administrator, will preside at all the following liturgies. PALM SUNDAY. We commemorate Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. At first it may seem incongruous to note such a joyful and exuberant event as the beginning of the week of sorrow. However, it recognized Jesus as the King of Glory, and as the One who enters into Jerusalem. However, our procession is not a historical reenactment. Rather it is our journey into the celebration of our Christian passover. The Passion according to Mark heard today underlines the anguish of Jesus, the cruel treatment He endured and the abandonment by His disciples. It is a stark proclamation of Jesus’ own suffering for the sake of our redemption. THE CHRISM MASS, Tuesday at 3:00 PM This year, Bishop Coyne has asked that we move this beautiful liturgy from the evening time to 3:00 PM on Tuesday afternoon. Hopefully, this will benefit our friends from the far points in our Archdiocese. During this liturgy, the three Oils used liturgically will be blessed and consecrated: the Oil of the Sick, the Oil of the Catechumens intended to strengthen the Catechumens preparing for Baptism, and the Sacred Chrism used to anoint bishops and priests, those receiving Confirmation and used in the Dedication of Altars and Churches. Also during this liturgy, the priests will renew their priestly promises. It is a wonderful liturgy drawing representatives together from all around the archdiocese. If you’ve never attended, give yourself the gift of coming to the liturgy. HOLY THURSDAY: THE LITURGY OF THE LORD’S SUPPER; 6:30 PM. In this liturgy, we celebrate the manner in which Jesus Christ, risen from the dead and seated at the right hand of the Father remains with us, that is, in His Body and Blood. The liturgy also celebrates and mystically combines the washing of the feet as proclaimed in John’s Gospel. Uniting the mystery of the Eucharist and service of one another assists us in becoming the mystery we celebrate, that is, in becoming the Body and Blood of Christ for our nourishment and the continuing service we offer to all others as we break open and pour out our lives in charity. This is living as a Eucharistic people. GOOD FRIDAY OF THE LORD’S PASSION, 3:00 PM. This liturgy is not Mass, but a liturgical celebration in three parts: The Solemn Proclamation of the Lord’s Passion according to John (John is always used on Good Friday while the Passion recorded in the Synoptic Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke are rotated on Palm Sunday.); followed by the Great Intercessions; secondly, the Veneration of the Cross and thirdly, Holy Communion. For John the Evangelist the Cross is the moment of Christ’s glorification. Historically, this service revolved around the Passion Gospel. Petitions were added. Originally, the people fasted even from the Eucharist on this one day. It was not restored to the faithful until the revision of this liturgy in 1955. THE GREAT VIGIL OF EASTER, Saturday, 9:00 PM. This is the most significant liturgy of the entire church year. Revolving around the initiation of new members, this liturgy has developed into a time for all disciples to renew their identity in Christ Jesus by renewing their own baptismal promises. The symbols and rituals of this liturgy are basic and profound: fire, light, story, water, oil, bread and wine. The four parts of this liturgy include the service of light beginning around the new fire; the liturgy of the word in which we share the sacred stories of our covenant salvation history; the liturgy of initiation bringing in new members through Baptism and/or Confirmation; and finally the liturgy of the Eucharist. This is a celebration of who we are and of our continuing paschal journey. EASTER SUNDAY, 10:30 AM. As at the Vigil, all will renew their Baptismal Promises during this liturgy. Please make every effort to participate in these beautifully moving and important liturgies of Holy Week and the Sacred Triduum. Sincerely yours in the Lord, Father Noah
March 24 - 25, 2012 Dear Cathedral Community, So, how is your Lent going? It’s hard to believe that we are already celebrating the fifth week of Lent! Next week is Palm Sunday. Where did Lent go? Even Mother Nature seems to be in a hurry; daffodils, crocus, budding tress, and yes allergies are popping out all over the place. A part of me admits that this rush is just fine. Secretly, I must admit that Lent has never been one of my favorite Liturgical seasons. (Did I just say that aloud!) I know, I know. I’m supposed to look forward to this season of special grace and renewal. So, why do I go kicking and screaming into Lent? Answer: because it calls me to be authentic. The conversion of heart, metanoia, is intended not just to push me over the ascetical edge with pious practices. Conversion of heart is all about revealing my true self, the self that God has always intended since my creation. The part I don’t care for, the challenge I disdain, is giving up all those falsehoods that I’ve been busy collecting over the years. I’ve been hard at work insulating myself from authenticity. I’ve manufactured the armor of another persona to protect me from reality, pain, rejection, abandonment and all those things that go bump in the night. Conversion is not about becoming someone else like you might find in a stained glass window, or in the centerfold for Spirituality Today. No. Conversion is about being real, truthful, authentic. This past week as we celebrated the Solemnity of Saint Joseph (cf. St. Joseph homily on the web site), we honored a man whom the bible called “righteous.” Saint Joseph was righteous because he was ethical, moral and just. He was a “stand up kind of guy,” “a straight shooter.” He listened to God’s voice, heard God’s plan and humbly and courageously put that plan into action. Joseph was authentic. We also celebrated on March 21 the winter Feast of Saint Benedict (the summer feast is July 11). He fled the chaotic world of a falling down Rome in the fifth century in order to seek a more authentic way of life. Fifteen hundred years of Benedictine monastic life testifies to that authenticity. Like Joseph, Benedict listened to God’s plan, and put it into practice. Resisting Lent? Forgot those resolutions you wrote on the Bona Opera? Well, it’s never too late. Saint Benedict in The Holy Rule says that the monastic person should live a perpetual Lent. What he intends is to become authentic all the time, and not just for six weeks out of the year. The good news is that as we become more and more true to our selves, we come to find out why God has always loved us as He has made us. This seemed to work for Joseph and Benedict. It just might work for us as well. Sincerely yours in the Lord, Father Noah
March 17 - 18, 2012 Dear Cathedral Community, As we move through this weekend, we find ourselves at a halfway mark in the Lenten Season. This Sunday has been typically known as “Laetare Sunday” or “Rejoice Sunday.” The church gives the option of wearing Rose colored vestments, as a sign of this halfway mark. We also celebrate two important feast days in the church calendar: Saint Patrick and Saint Joseph. Popular culture has put its own twist on these two saints expressed in dying various bodies of water with green dye, and burying statues of the foster father of Jesus Christ upside down in the ground intended to bring about good luck in selling a house. Spiritually speaking, I think we can do better. Both of these men were visionaries. Saint Patrick, the son of a Roman soldier and Celtic woman, a slave, and finally a missionary, found himself as a priest and bishop of the fourth century bringing the Catholic faith to tribal Ireland. Once several of the tribes began adhering to the preaching of the Apostle to Ireland, the faith spread very quickly. Patrick was assisted in this effort by the zealous monastic missionaries under the guidance of great church leaders such as Brendan, Hugh, Ciaran, Kevin and Bridget. Patrick’s vision took shape in the faith that evangelized an entire island, and spread all across western Europe exemplified in the Irish monk, Columbanus, who made it all the way to Italy and the founding of a monastery at Bobbio. Saint Joseph was a visionary in his own manner. While we don’t know much history of Saint Joseph, we know him to be a man of simple yet profound trust in God who revealed the path to follow in a series of dreams that led him to receive the pregnant Mary into his care, lead the child and his mother to safety in an arduous flight into Egypt, and back again when the child’s safety was secured. Joseph did it all because he listened, trusted and acted. The faith of these two men have flowed down throughout the centuries of the church brining inspiration and strength to countless men and women just like us. We, too, are called to be visionaries based on our own willingness to listen to the God who, by Covenant Promise, speaks to us out of love, and guides our steps by the example of saints like Patrick and Joseph. Sometimes Catholics have been accused of “worshipping” saints. Of course, this is not true. We venerate the saints. They are part of our spiritual family upon whose shoulders we stand. We have their images and statues in our churches just as we have images and pictures of family members in our homes. These are the spiritual ancestors of our spiritual home, the church. I encourage you to take some time in the near future, and visit the statues of our cathedral. First of all, they are beautiful works of art. The delicacy of detail and the expressions of quiet countenance are moving. In particular, in this season of Lent leading to the Lord’s Passion, I encourage you to spend some time before the statue of the Pieta. This beautiful vision of love and sorrow can move us to deeper faith. Notice the details which become the details of our own faith. Finally, for spiritual reading, I invite you to read Father James Martin’s very fine book, MY LIFE WITH THE SAINTS. Martin, a Jesuit, recounts his reconnecting with the saints, and writes compellingly of a renewed appreciation of the men and women who are our role models and spiritual ancestors. Saints Patrick and Joseph, pray for us. Sincerely yours in the Lord, Father Noah
March 10 - 11, 2012 Dear Cathedral Community, We welcome as the Sunday Presider, Father Julian Peters, OSB. Welcome back, Father Julian! I am attending the annual Hibernians Mass at St. John on Sunday morning. After that, I have the monthly Mass for the Permanent Diaconate Candidates at Fatima Retreat House, and my every other week Sunday Night Mass at Our Lady of the Greenwood. While I’m at it I want to wish you all a very blessed Saint Patrick Day coming up at the end of this week. I’ll be marching in the parade with the Ancient Order of Hibernians. Maybe next year, the Cathedral parish can have its own float! I want to announce that I am revising our approach to the Ministry to the Sick and Homebound. This, of course, is a very important ministry in any parish community. Up to this point, parishioner, Joe Geiman, has coordinated this effort assisted by Sister Mary Terrence Haag, SP and Mary Cangany. Due to increasing health issues with mobility, Sister will no longer be officially visiting the sick on our behalf. Joe will continue to visit the sick as his schedule allows. Please note the following: - The Ministry to the Sick and Homebound will now be coordinated by me, and administered through the parish office.
- If you or another registered parishioner is in need of pastoral care including receiving Holy Communion and/or the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, please contact Diana Hay at the parish office.
- The goal is to visit these parishioners on a regular basis either by a parish volunteer or the priest. Regularity will be determined once we have an accurate roster prepared of those in need. It is my intention to visit each person myself quarterly.
- If you are anticipating hospitalization of one kind or another, please contact the parish office as soon as possible so as to receive the Sacrament of the Anointing.
- Keep in mind that due to recently new regulations, the parishes are no longer notified of someone’s hospitalization. We are relying on you, your family members or close friends to keep us informed.
- Our goal is to keep current and updated records for good pastoral care.
The entire rationale for the Ministry to the Sick and Homebound may be found on the parish web site. For those who wish to have a “hard” copy of this, please contact the parish office. Sincerely yours in the Lord, Father Noah
March 3 - 4, 2012,
Dear Cathedral Community, Already into the Second Week of Lent, I want to remind you of the first in our monthly offerings of Lectio Divina (praying with the Scriptures), to be held at 5:00 PM in the Cathedral today, Sunday, March 4. Come and join in this relaxing and inspirational prayer. A great way to begin your work week. The remainder of my column this week will be taken from a wonderful Lenten reflection in the ORDO, the little book that guide our day to day liturgical life for the entire Metropolitan Province of Indiana including our Archdioceses and the four Suffragan dioceses of Fort Wayne-South Bend, Lafayette-in-Indiana, Gary and Evansville. Sincerely yours in the Lord, Father Noah L E N T “In the cycle of weekday readings (and in the Divine Office, i.e., the Liturgy of the Hours), Lent falls into two parts. The first part, including the “pre-Lent” of Ashe Wednesday and the rest of that week, runs through to Saturday of Week 3. In these three and a half weeks, the Gospel texts are taken from the Synoptics (Matthew, Mark and Luke) and the Old Testament readings are chosen accordingly. The message running throughout is a call to a life of Gospel conversion. The pericopes speak of beginning anew, of fasting, prayer and almsgiving; of conversion; of mutual forgiveness; of hardness of heart; of love of enemies; of absolute claims of justice and love over ritual and cult; of the call to holiness, and so forth..... The readings for the second half of Lent are taken from the Gospel of John, beginning on he Monday of the fourth week of Lent at 4:43 and going through, omitting passages read on Sundays and during Easter, to chapter 13. It is clear that these readings from John do not constitute a kind of “crash course” in the life of Jesus, so much as a presentation of the mystery of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, of whom John says that all who believe in him will have eternal life. Christ is presented as the healer and life-giver, as the one who gives life through his confrontation with death and gathers into one the scattered children of God. How do these two section of the lectionary fit together and what can they tell us about he spirit of Lent? The shift from the “ethical” to the “christological” is no accident. The purpose of the first part of Lent is to bring us to compunction. “compunction” is etymologically related to the verb “to puncture” and suggests the deflation of our inflated egos, a challenge to any self-deceit about he quality of our lives as disciples of Jesus,. By hitting us again and again with demands which we not only faith to obey, but which we come to recognize as being quite beyond us, the Gospel passages are meant to trouble us, to confront our illusions about ourselves. “Remember, you are dust...” From this perspective, Lenten penance may be more effective if we fail in our resolutions than if we succeed, for its purpose is not to confirm us in our sense of virtue but to bring home to us our radical need of salvation. It is in anaser to this profound awareness of need that the lectionary shifts from the Synoptic Gospels to John, from the demands of discipleship to the person of Jesus. Jon present Jesus as the Savior, but Jesus can only save those who know their need fro salvation. Confronted with our sickness and powerlessness, we pray for our salvation.” (Taken from “The Spirit of Lent,” Mark Searle, in Assembly, Vol. 8:3, Notre Dame Center for Liturgy, Notre Dame, IN.)
February 25 - 26, 2012 Dear Cathedral Community, As we observe the First Sunday of Lent, I want to share with you an inspiring message from one of the great Fathers of the Church, Pope Saint Leo the Great. “Dear Friends, at every moment the earth is full of the mercy of God, and nature itself is a lesson for all the faithful in the worship of God. The heavens, the sea and all that is in them bear witness to the goodness and omnipotence of their Creator, and the marvelous beauty of the elements as they obey him demands from the intelligent creation a fitting expression of its gratitude. But with the return of that season marked out in a special way by the mystery of our redemption, and of the days that lead u to the paschal feast, we are summoned more urgently to prepare ourselves by a purification of spirit. The special note of the paschal feast is this: the whole Church rejoices in the forgiveness of sins. It rejoices in the forgiveness not only of those who are then reborn in holy baptism but also of those who are already numbered among god’s adopted c children. Initially, people are made new by the rebirth of baptism. Yet there is still required a daily renewal to repair the shortcomings of our mortal nature, and whatever degree of progress has been made there is no one who should not be more advanced. All must therefore strive to ensure that on the day of redemption no one may be found in the sins of a former life. Dear friends, what the Christian should be doing at all times should be done now with greater care and devotion, so that the Lenten fast enjoined by the apostles may be fulfilled, not simply by abstinence from food but above all by the renunciation of sin. There is no more profitable practice as a companion to holy and spiritual fasting than that of almsgiving. This embraces under the single name of mercy many excellent works of devotion, so that the good intentions of all the faithful may be of equal value, even where their means are not. The love that we owe both God and our brothers and sisters is always free from any obstacle that would prevent us from having a good intention. The angels sang: Glory to God in the highest, and peace to all people on earth. The person who shows love and compassion to those in any kind of affliction is blessed, not only with the virtue of good will but also with the gift of peace. The works of mercy are innumerable. Their very variety brings this advantage to those who are true Christians, that in the matter of almsgiving not only the rich and affluent but also those of average means and the poor are able to play their part. Those who are unequal in their capacity to give can be equal in the love within their hearts.” By way of reminder, don’t forget that we will begin our practice of Lectio Divina (praying the Scriptures) on the first sunday of the month next Sunday, March 4 at 5 PM in the Cathedral. All are welcome. Bring a friend. Get a good start to your week. Sincerely yours in the Lord, Father Noah
February 18 - 19, 2012 Dear Cathedral Community, We are grateful to have Bishop Coyne presiding and preaching among us today. He will also have the Rite of Election this Sunday afternoon which makes us especially grateful for his time with us Sunday morning. As Lent approaches with Ash Wednesday this week, I want to say a few things about the observance of Lent. This season, originally oriented toward those preparing to enter the church at the Easter Vigil, now affords us all the opportunity to review our efforts at personal and communal conversion. Because of our membership in the family of God, our personal efforts always take place and find expression within the larger community of the Body of Christ. One enhances the other. The three traditional pillars of Lenten renewal are: PRAYER, FASTING and ALMSGIVING. The opportunities for prayer are many. Please consult in another part of the Bulletin the Lenten Devotional opportunities in addition to the regular liturgical schedule of Eucharist and the Liturgy of the Hours. These are the prayer opportunities: Eucharist: Ash Wednesday: 8 AM, Noon and 5:15 PM. As usual, Monday through Friday: 8 AM Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 5:15 PM Reconciliation: Tuesday evenings following 5:15 PM Mass, and Fridays at Noon. Please Note the Communal Rite of Reconciliation scheduled at St. Mary Church on March 29 at 7 PM Way of the Cross: Friday evenings at 5:15 PM in the Cathedral. Lectio Divina (Praying with Scripture): 5 PM on the first Sunday of the month. Evening Prayer: 5 PM on Sundays March 11, 18 and 25. Fasting is an ancient practice of doing without so as to experience more of Christ. We are, of course, obligated to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday as well as to abstain from meat and meat products on the Fridays of Lent. Fasting might be something to consider one day a week as part of your Lenten asceticism. There are numerous opportunities for almsgiving. Many offer support to our parish outreach to the poor that includes St. Vincent de Paul and our Cathedral Kitchen. Throughout the Lenten Season there are several “additional collections” for various causes as noted in our contribution envelopes. I would also recommend the monastic practice of going through your clothing at home, and consider what you might want to recycle for someone else’s use. The norm? If you haven’t worn it in the last year, pass it on. Please note the BONA OPERA FORMS in the bulletin. Bona Opera means “good works”. If you are interested, please note on the form your Lenten Intentions, and place your folded Bona Opera Forms in the basket on Ash Wednesday as you come forward to receive the Blessed Ashes. These forms will be kept in a container at the Altar throughout all of Lent. Simply follow the instructions on the Form. Additional forms may be found at the doors of the Cathedral and the Chapel. Let us remember to pray for one another during this Holy Season, and especially for our Candidates in the RCIA preparing for Reception into the Church. Sincerely Yours in The Lord, Father Noah
February 11 - 12, 2012 Dear Cathedral Community, Soon the holy season of Lent will be upon us. ASH WEDNESDAY IS FEBRUARY 22. LITURGIES THAT DAY WILL BE AT 8:00 AM, 12:00 NOON, AND 5:15 PM. I have offered a particular spiritual practice in the past known as The Bona Opera, or “Good Works” for Lent. There will be a Bona Opera form in next weeks Bulletin. If you wish, you can use this as part of your Lenten asceticism. It simply means you mark down your Lenten intentions, that is, what you are hopefully adding or omitting to your usual prayer observances. The form may be folded, placed in an envelop and placed in a basket when you come forward to receive the Blessed Ashes on Ash Wednesday. Extra forms will be available at the doors of the chapel and the Cathedral. These Bona Opera forms will be kept in an appropriate container near the altar for the duration of Lent. Please see the form in next weeks Bulletin. Lent is also a good time to do some focused spiritual reading. Selecting a book of the Bible is often helpful. For example, selecting one of the Gospels and reading it through the season of Lent offers an wonderful overview of the life of Christ. Perhaps making an effort to read the weekly Scriptural commentary in THE CRITERION, or dedicating some time each day to reading the Lectionary readings from the liturgy would both be beneficial. In next week’s Bulletin, you will find that list of times for Lenten liturgies and devotions like the Way of the Cross. Sometimes omitting things is as helpful as adding things. Omitting gossip, bad language, or other bad habits is helpful. Omitting an hour of mind numbing television watching in favor of doing some helpful reading could add a lot to your spiritual development. Lent might be a time to check out programs at Fatima, Our Lady of Grace or Saint Meinrad. I want to thank you for your kindness and prayers offered for my Aunt, Mary Casey Leen, who died last week in County Kerry, Ireland. Father Pat Beidelman and I made a quick trip to Ireland for her funeral which was very beautiful. Your prayers meant a lot to us and to her two daughters and their families. Please pray for Bishop Coyne as he is in Rome for the ad limina visit required of each bishop every five years. A massive report on the state of the archdiocese was submitted to the Holy See in December and reviewed. Each bishop accompanies the other bishops of the region to meet with the various Vatican offices, and to have a session with the Holy Father. Bishop Coyne hopes to share more of this report with us in the near future. Keep an eye on THE CRITERION. We are very grateful to Bishop Coyne for presiding at various Sunday liturgies at the Cathedral. He enjoys being with us. Beginning in later February, however, the usual busy schedule of Rites of Election and Confirmations will begin, and the Bishop will be quite busy with those celebrations. Sincerely yours in the Lord, Father Noah
February 4 - 5, 2012 Dear Cathedral Community, Recently, the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, gave a wonderful message on the Feast of Saint Francis de Sales, the patron of communications. He has been emphasizing over the past year the need for greater evangelization. In this most recent message, the Pope eloquently made a correlation between the necessity of silence and the role of evangelization in the world. At first impression, a teaching about silence may seem an odd way to talk about the communication of the Gospel. However, upon further reflection, the role of silence in evangelization and in the world generally is most appropriate. "Silence is an integral element of communication; in its absence, words rich in content cannot exist. In silence, we are better able to listen to and understand ourselves; ideas come to birth and acquire depth; we understand with greater clarity what it is we want to say and what we expect from others; and we choose how to express ourselves. By remaining silent we allow the other person to speak, to express him or herself; and we avoid being tied simply to our own words and ideas without them being adequately tested. In this way, space is created for mutual listening, and deeper human relationships become possible. It is often in silence, for example, that we observe the most authentic communication taking place between people who are in love: gestures, facial expressions and body language are signs by which they reveal themselves to each other. Joy, anxiety, and suffering can all be communicated in silence – indeed it provides them with a particularly powerful mode of expression. Silence, then, gives rise to even more active communication, requiring sensitivity and a capacity to listen that often makes manifest the true measure and nature of the relationships involved. When messages and information are plentiful, silence becomes essential if we are to distinguish what is important from what is insignificant or secondary." This message of the Holy Father can inspire us to examine the role of silence in our own lives. Silence is the frame around the portrait of our lives. It allows the message of what is seen and heard to leap off the canvas, and fill our minds and hearts with meaning. Sincerely yours in the Lord, Father Noah
January 28 - 29, 2012 Dear Cathedral Community, I want to thank all those who came to help take down the Nativity creche in church. Special thanks to our Art and Environment Coordinator, Morna Patrick. The cathedral was beautiful for the Christmas holy days. The following statement was taken from the web site of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and addresses the recent issue surrounding an aspect of the Federal Government’s Health Care plan. For further information, please consult the USCCB web site. Sincerely yours in the Lord, Father Noah “Cardinal-Designate Dolan Speaks Out Against Hhs Rule, Calls For Action In New Web Video" January 20, 2012 WASHINGTON—Cardinal-designate Timothy Dolan of New York, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), sharply criticized the decision by the Obama administration in which it “ordered almost every employer and insurer in the country to provide sterilization and contraceptives, including some abortion-inducing drugs, in their health plans.” He made the statement in a web video posted at:http://bcove.me/ob5itz9v. . . “Never before has the federal government forced individuals and organizations to go out into the marketplace and buy a product that violates their conscience. This shouldn’t happen in a land where free exercise of religion ranks first in the Bill of Rights,” Cardinal-designate Dolan said. On January 20, Kathleen Sebelius, secretary of the Health and Human Services, announced that non-profit employers will have one year to comply with the new rule. Cardinal-designate Dolan urged Catholics and the public at large to speak out in protest. “Let your elected leaders know that you want religious liberty and rights of conscience restored and that you want the administration’s contraceptive mandate rescinded,” he said.” ---
January 21 - 22, 2012 Dear Cathedral Community, As you read this column, we are in the midst of the Octave of Prayer for Church Unity. This “novena” of prayer for unity among Christians comes each year at this time beginning on January 18 and ending on January 24, the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul. Let’s continue to see unity among all who believe in Jesus Christ. An appropriate ecumenism is discovering what we all hold in common, rather than focusing solely on what divides us. It is the desire of Christ for us to be one like the early disciples in the Acts of the Apostles. Even then there were already divisions that Saint Paul attempted to resolve. It is God’s church; let us pray for God to bring us together. As a follow up to last weeks column on the Six Moral Principles, I want to give you the second part of the reflection, that is “Actions For Tough Economic Times.” Again, these reflections come from the December 2011 edition of the newsletter, CATHOLIC UPDATE published by the St. Anthony Messenger Press. 1. Read Prayerfully # 28 - 60 of the bishops pastoral letter, Economic
Justice for All. This document may be found on the USCCB web site. 2. Perform An Examination of Conscience. Honestly pay attention to
the assumptions that shape our moral perceptions and judgments. 3. Expand Our Horizons. Learn more about the “bottom billion”, that is,
the billion women, men and children who live in extreme poverty
without sufficient food, clean water and other basic necessities of life. A
good place to begin would be “Catholics Confront Global Poverty” that
can be found at old.usccb.org/sdwp/globalpoverty 4. Discern Carefully the “Wisdom sources” we use to gather
information.
An example of this is the idea of a “consistent ethic of life” that provides a
contemporary biblical morality, and a helpful guide for discernment. 5. Finally, Follow Up with Informed Voting. The church’s social
teaching reminds us of the connections between ethics, economics and
politics. Our Catholic Singles Group continues to grow with new participants joining us at our recent Saturday gathering. As previously mentioned, a “single Catholic’ may be anyone who finds himself or herself living a single life no matter for what reason nor at what age. Our sessions tend to focus on the development of a spiritual life commensurate with the reality of single living. Thanks to all who made our celebration of Christmas such a beautiful experience. We have a few weeks now of Ordinary Time before the beginning of Lent. Special note of thanks to Morna Patrick and her crew for decoration and dismantling the creche and the remaining decorations. Our worship environment was very inspiring. As you may have read in THE CRITERION last week, I have been appointed the spiritual director for the candidates in the Permanent Diaconate Program walking with them in their formation up to their Ordination next June 23. Basically this means I present a two hour session once a month on a Saturday afternoon, and preside at a Sunday afternoon liturgy with them the next day. They are a great group of candidates and spouses. Finally, you may also know that I am assisting once every other Sunday evening with the evening Mass at Our Lady of the Greenwood. Msgr. Svarczkopf is without an associate pastor in that very large parish due to the recent death of Father Don Quinn. Sincerely yours in the Lord, Father Noah
January 14 - 15, 2012 Dear Cathedral Community, Last Sunday’s Epiphany Party was a great success. We always hope for more to attend, but those who did seemed to have a great time. There was a lot of wonderful food prepared by fellow parishioners who spent many hours in the kitchen cooking. (I even picked up a secret of wonderful turkey preparation from Chef Mary Oss!) The decorations were lovely, and the clean up was amazing. We had a tour of parts of the rectory apparently never before seen, and folks were appreciative. A huge “Thanks” to all who made the day possible. The party followed on the heels of a wonderful liturgy with Bishop Coyne presiding and preaching. If the Magi didn’t make to their destination, it wasn’t our fault! And now, back to the peace of Ordinary Time. With this time, there seems to be a considerable amount of babble from the television “talking heads” about campaigns, seemingly endless debates and general name calling. However, there are serious issues for us to consider. Recently, I read a summary statement in the December issue of the news bulletin called CATHOLIC UPDATE published regularly by the St. Anthony Messenger Press. In this issue, six moral principles were enunciated that can be of use to us as we consider the complexity of social issues of our day. I want to share those with you. People have dignity. Stemming from the fact that we are all made in the image and likeness of God, every person is sacred. Issues surrounding the economy must be seen as serving people and not just profit. We live together. The human community and the common good guide us in our deliberations. “A just economy serves all people and not just a privileged few.
Everyone participates. Besides encouraging each person to participate in the just process, the poor in particular should be enabled to participate.
Protect the poor. Those who are voiceless, defenseless and alienated need to be be surrounded by prayer and prayerful action that is in the spirit of Christ who was sent to bring “good news to the poor.”
Protect human rights. This is a rock bottom concern for living in the spirit of charity and common concern. These include eco-nomic, civil and political rights.
Government has a role. “Catholic social teaching has consistently emphasized government’s essential responsibility in safeguarding human rights.
Over the months leading to the elections, it would be beneficial for us to consider prayerfully these moral principles for ourselves and our human community. They make great prayer starters. Let’s also pray for those considering public office, and their attempt to bring about a just society. We share that responsibility with them. Sincerely yours in the Lord, Father Noah
January 7 - 8, 2012 Dear Cathedral Community, Today, we joyfully welcome our Apostolic Administrator, Bishop Christopher J. Coyne, SLD, as he presides for us at the 10:30 AM Sunday liturgy. We continue to pray for his ministry in our Archdiocese. Today we celebrate the great Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord. In His manifestation to the whole world, Christ reveals his love and hope to all peoples in every place and time. We are ably represented by the Magi who brought symbolic gifts to the Savior: Gold for His Kingship; Incense for His Divinity and Myrrh for His death and carrying our His Father’s will. In a society that moves about so freely to many places, let us keep in mind that all of our journeys begin and end in Christ Jesus. Whatever paths we may choose in this life, there is but one destination which is the Kingdom of God for which we are destined through our Baptism. We travel together in the church. As fellow travelers following the light of Christ, let us not leave anyone behind. All are invited to the Feast. The Magi must have looked a bit odd to the folks in Jesus home town. They spoke different languages, looked differently, possibly represented a variety of skin colors. Their common goal, however, was to follow the light to Christ. They helped one another as must we help one another in seeking Christ each day. There may be persons or experiences like King Herod who would distract us from our intention, but prayer and sacraments keep us focused. This year, due to the arrangement of the overall calendar, the Feast of the Baptism comes quickly, that is to say, TOMORROW, Monday, January 9. Let us renew our Baptismal call to follow Christ the light, and bring others to that same saving Light. As Jesus begins his public life in his Baptism in the Jordan, let us renew our own Baptism promises, and follow Him with a lively faith. A reminder that we have a number of Mass Intention opportunities available. Contact Diana at the parish office. Sincerely yours in the Lord made manifest, Father Noah
January 1, 2012 Dear Cathedral Community, A Glorious and Blessed New Year to you and your loved ones! As we set out on a another calendar year, let us be mindful with hearts filled with gratitude the blessings God has given to us in the 2011, and seek the blessing of His comforting presence throughout the new year of 2012. Let us also be mindful of those for whom this year represents the continuation of disappointments and poverty; those for whom gratitude is a thin, sliver of pale light rather than a wonderful beam of glory. Liturgically, we begin this new year celebrating the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. What better companion can we have but the one who bore the Savior to the world ? The Byzantine church knows Mary as the theotokos, that is, the God-bearer. It is principle title, and no wonder as she bears her Son, Jesus, to the world that awaits His saving presence. In fact, in Eastern Spirituality, one never sees an icon of Mary without the Child. Her importance is always in reference to Him, and His gift to us, the church, is His Mother, the first of all disciples. Whatever our skills, whatever our gifts, whatever our burdens we may carry with us in this world, let us above all imitate Mary, the Mother of God, in bearing Christ Jesus to one another. In our word, in our deed, our joy is in reminding one another of the saving grace of Christ’s presence among and within us. Let us not leave one another’s company without leaving a greater awareness of Christ in each of us. Our example is one of the best forms of evangelization. Maybe this could be a new year’s resolution: to bear Christ to the world. What a great gift! Next week, we will welcome our Apostolic Administrator, Bishop Christopher J. Coyne. Bishop Coyne will lead us in prayer at the 10:30 AM Sunday liturgy on the great Feast of the Epiphany. Please do not double park your camels! Sincerely yours in the Lord, Father Noah | 
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